This news item expired on Saturday, June 5, 2021 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Updated on May 12, 2021: In response to fuel shortages brought on by the temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, the tournament has been rescheduled for June 5. If you previously registered and cannot attend on the new date, please email parks@buncombecounty.org.
It’s a sport, a hobby, a profession, a skill! Fishing crosses all gender, cultural, and economic lines. For some, it’s about catching the biggest fish, for others it’s the quantity. The adrenaline rush and pride when a line is pulled in is the same either way.
Buncombe County Recreation Services hosts its next kids fishing tournament at Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Road in Arden) on Saturday, June 5. The tournament, named one of the Best Kids Fishing Tournaments in the U.S., is open to anyone 15 years-old or younger. Competitors are divided into age groups with prizes in each for Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish, and Most Fish Caught.
The grand prize for Biggest (Longest) Fish Caught regardless of age is the choice between a Move Angler kayak from Waterways and Feelfree Kayaks and a guided kayak fishing trip with Found 'Em Kayak Fishing Guides' Craig Gorton.
Current North Carolina guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives will be enforced.
“Fishing builds confidence, improves coordination, teaches patience, and encourages an appreciation of nature,” said Mac Stanley, Outdoors Coordinator for Buncombe County Recreation Services. “This tournament is a great way to introduce our younger residents to healthier lifestyles and decrease screen time – at least for a little while.”
As a catch and release tournament, fish are released back into the lake after they have been weighed and measured. Registration is $10 per competitor and includes a bucket, bait, snacks and drinks, and an I Heart Parks sports bottle. Participants bring their own poles.
Preregistration is available and recommended. On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m. the day of the tournament. Fishing commences at 8:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 11:30 a.m. No fishing license is required for North Carolina residents under 16 years old. No boat fishing is allowed during the tournaments.
Competitors are also encouraged to bring non-perishable healthy grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables from MANNA FoodBank’s Most Needed Food List.
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